Can't date a Colt Detective Special

S

Starduster

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I'm trying to figure out exactly what year my mother's Colt Detective Special was from, serial number 975xxx. I've checked the Colt serial number database and it says it's from 1968. On proofhouse.com/colt/index.html, the number suggested that it should have a D prefix and would also be from 1968. However, there is no D on the frame or cylinder. It has a serrated sight, longer ejector (unshielded), and rounded Coltwood grip.

The mystery is that the reason it was purchased (as she remembers it) was at a house they were in and an event that occurred in 1958! She says she put it away when then moved in 1964 and just found it again.

So, is this truly from 1968 and just a case of my mother's memory not being what it once was?
 
I swear... only one drink tonight... one! ;-)
 

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Sometimes the D prefixes were omitted, your 1968 estimate is correct. I have one from 1967 that is 935xxx, no prefix.

To be doubly sure, check the length of the grip frame. If the grips are longer than the frame, it is from 1967 or later. If the frame goes to the bottom of the grips, then it is 1966 or earlier. Mine is the former.
 
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Nothing to measure, just see where the frame ends in relation to the bottom of the grips. In this first one (a '65), the frame is full length:

1965-colt-detective-special-2-nickel-97-3.jpg



The one below is a '67 or later (very similar to mine). You can see how the grips extend down below and wrap around the bottom of the frame:

DSCN7920.jpg
 
The Colt Detective Special Series 2 is one of the best snubbies ever made IMHO. I still carry mine routinely.
 
The first short grip strap Colt D frame was the Agent.
After a while they just started making the DS and Cobra the same way.
 
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